intrinsic

American  

[in-trin-sik, -zik] / ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /

adjective

1. belonging to a thing by its very nature.

   the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

   Synonyms:

   true, natural, innate, native

   Antonyms:

   extrinsic

2. Anatomy. (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.

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intrinsic British  

/ ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

2. anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part

   intrinsic muscles

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Synonym Usage

See essential.

Other Word Forms

• intrinsically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of intrinsic

First recorded in 1480–90; Middle English intrinsique “inner,” from Old French intrinseque “internal, inner,” from Late Latin intrinsecus “inward” (adjective), from Latin intrinsecus “on the inside, inwards” (adverb), equivalent to intrin- (from int(e)r-, as in interior + -im, an old accusative ending used as an adverb suffix + secus “beside,” derivative of sequī “to follow”)

Compare meaning

How does intrinsic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• inherent vs. intrinsic

Explanation

The intrinsic qualities of something have to do with its nature. An intrinsic quality of dogs is that they're loyal. Anything intrinsic comes from within. Doing a job for only money is not intrinsic. Doing a job because you love it is intrinsic; the motivation comes from within. It's good to treat people as having intrinsic value. If you like someone for intrinsic reasons, then you have no other motivation. The opposite of intrinsic is extrinsic, for things that come from the outside instead of from the inside.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

intrinsic

The point of these splashy redesigns is always to tie back to something more intrinsic to the company, though.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

"This quantification of the economic value that these things provide is only additive to the inherent intrinsic conservation value that all life on Earth has."

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

“Solstice,” where he shares writing credits with Patti Smith, possesses the same kind of metaphysical shimmer that’s often intrinsic to a Patti Smith composition.

From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2026

It’s a step beyond what he called the 3.0 platform/ecosystem models like Amazon, whose heavy investments have often depressed profits to gain more intrinsic value later.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

So often had Ben been drilled in the proper manner in which to greet Marines and their wives that his act was no longer an act but an intrinsic manifestation of his personality.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• deep-seated
• elemental
• inherent
• innate
• peculiar
• underlying